Plasma estradiol-17 beta, progesterone, prostaglandin F, and prostaglandin E2 concentrations during natural oviposition in the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

Changes in plasma concentrations of steroids and prostaglandins (PGs) during natural nesting and oviposition in the loggerhead turtle were studied. Blood samples were obtained during nine distinct behavioral stages of oviposition. Emerging females had no detectable prostaglandin F (PGF) or prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) whereas plasma estradiol-17 beta averaged 255 pg/ml and mean plasma progesterone was 395 pg/ml. Plasma steroid concentrations did not vary significantly during nesting. In contrast, plasma PGF and PGE2 exhibited significant elevations during nest digging about 15 min after emergence. A further significant increase in plasma PGs was observed 10 min later during early oviposition. Plasma PGE2 peaked during mid oviposition whereas maximal plasma PGF levels occurred during nest covering although mean values were not significantly different than those observed during oviposition. Both PGs showed an abrupt decline (within 10 min) during body pit covering to concentrations similar to those observed during nest construction. Our data suggest that PGs have an active role during oviposition and nesting in the loggerhead turtle and are consistent with hypotheses that PGF2 alpha stimulates uterine contractions promoting egg expulsion while PGE2 may be more important in promoting cervical relaxation.